The 2025 NHL Draft is almost here. In just three days the Utah Mammoth will be preparing for their second NHL Draft, where they will look to make a big splash. There have been some reports that they may be interested in trading the pick, while some other reports suggest that they have their eyes on a few different players to draft. So, it looks more and more likely that they will be picking at number four.
With the draft content in full swing here, we will continue to look at potential draft targets. Today, we are looking at Jake O'Brien from the Brantford Bulldogs in the OHL.
Scouting Report
Team: Brantford Bulldogs (OHL)
2024–25 Stats: 32 G, 66 A, 98 P, 18 PIM
DOB: June 16, 2007
Position: C
Shoots: Right
Height: 6-foot-2
Weight: 170 lbs
O'Brien is widely known as one of the best, if not the best playmaker in the NHL Draft. He has the real-life third-eye ability from NHL 25. He can find any of his teammates with a slick pass that leads to a goal. That's clear with his 66 assists that he had this year. It's not just his passing, he is such a smart hockey player, he knows where to be, and what to do almost every time. He is most likely going to be the one driving the play before snapping the pass. He will control the puck through all three zones, he likes to have the puck on his stick and so do his teammates. It makes everyone's job easier when he has control of the puck, that alone is what is going to attract NHL teams to draft him within the top 10.
Unlike most playmakers, he isn't afraid to go to the dirty areas. He will battle along the wall, in the corners or in front of the net. He doesn't mind getting pushed around to make a play. His defensive game is very good too, he closes gaps very well, and gets into lanes. The only area that needs to truly improve would be in the circle. As a center at the NHL level, he will be relied on to take important draws and right now it isn't a strength to his game, however, it will improve over time.
Utah Mammoth 2025 Second Round Draft Target: Henry Brzustewicz
It is draft week. The 2025 NHL Draft is now only four days away and there are still a ton of questions to be answered. Between the trade rumors, the free agent runners and trying to figure out where all the prospects will fall, there are a lot of things circulating around the rumour mill.
What the Scouts Are Saying:
Displaying close to x-ray vision, O’Brien spots the tiniest seams between skates, under sticks and above them. He sees through multiple defenders and behind his back, spotting teammates running at the back post and attacking a few steps late. When he can’t spot a lane, he creates it, shifting defenders or faking a shot before dropping the puck to teammates. — Elite Prospects, 2025
"He's extremely skilled with the puck, showing the soft touch and quick hands to create a lot of scoring chances and improvise on difficult plays often. He's a decent enough skater. His game can lack pace at times in part because he pulls up to make his skilled plays too much, but when he gets going, he moves well." — Corey Pronman, The Athletic
"He’s a finesse player with tons of feel, poise and craftsmanship on the puck and as a passer (he seems to know where guys are even when they’re in his blind spot). The IQ and passing ability are high-end tools. He’s got an ability to put pucks into spaces for both his linemates but also himself." — Scott Wheeler, The Athletic
"He has just about everything you want from a middle-six center at the next level. He’s got great size, good mobility and excellent vision as a playmaker. He’s become more and more creative as the year wore on." — Tony Ferrari, The Hockey News
"The right-handed shot (6-2, 172) was tied for seventh in the OHL with 98 points (32 goals, 66 assists) in 66 games and had 50 power-play points (nine goals, 41 assists). O'Brien, named OHL Rookie of the Year in 2023-24, has good hands, creativity and can read the ice well with the puck." — Mike Morreale, NHL.com
"O’Brien has the skills and the smarts to be a very impressive center in the NHL. His off-puck play is great, and he’s always out-thinking his opponents." — Steven Ellias, Daily Faceoff
It seems all but certain that the Mammoth are going to select Brady Martin unless someone from the top three falls to four. They've really liked him a lot after spending time with him at the combine. However, over the next few days, Utah's scouting department will be reviewing everyone who will be available at pick number four to ensure they are picking the best player for their franchise and O'Brien has to be in that conversation, he's one of the most skilled players in the draft.
Let us know what you think below.
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